After the embarrassing defeat against Japan, national coach Hansi Flick has to resign. And the rumor mill about his successor is buzzing.
After the 4-1 defeat against Japan in Wolfsburg, Hansi Flick has to resign as coach of the national soccer team. Shortly before the 2024 European Championships in Germany, the coach’s dismissal has come as a bombshell.
“I think we’re doing well and I’m the right coach,” Hansi Flick had declared as late as Saturday evening, despite the defeat.
Rudi Völler as a transition
But against the runners-up in the World Cup, France, in Dortmund this Tuesday, the German team will now be managed on an interim basis by the two sports directors Rudi Völler, 19 years after his resignation as team manager, and Hannes Wolf, as well as former international Sandro Wagner.
However, 63-year-old Rudi Völler is only expected to take on the role of national coach on an interim basis.
BREAKING: Hansi Flick has been fired, he’s no longer German national team head coach ⚪️
Federation set to discuss internally on new manager as Germany will host Euro 2024 in 9 months.
Rudi Völler will be on the bench as interim coach. pic.twitter.com/rXAXaTdyhO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 10, 2023
In well-informed circles, 36-year-old Julian Nagelsmann is considered the most promising candidate to succeed Hansi Flick.
Nagelsmann was replaced by Thomas Tucher at FC Bayern Munich in March 2023.
| Julian Nagelsmann is the favourite to replace Hansi Flick as Germany national team manager.
@BILD_Sport] pic.twitter.com/HRYEXBpOKr
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 10, 2023
International gloating was evident in headlines such as “Disaster for Germany”, “Bizarre leadership” and “Mega crisis”.